Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Syphilis exhibits many of the characteristics of epidemic disease. It has the capacity of producing a sharp increase in incidence in a short time.1 It often gives rise to localized outbreaks; and, in at least one historic instance, it appeared as a sudden outbreak over a wide area. This concept with regard to syphilis is not a new one. More than 100 reports of localized epidemics of syphilis can be found in the literature under titles which imply epidemicity.

The mild character or total absence of the early manifestations; the "conspiracy of silence" with regard to the disease; and